Front page feedUnited Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republichttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en
enThu, 07 Feb 2019 09:07:44 +0100Thu, 07 Feb 2019 11:24:12 +0100United Nations Secretary-General appoints Mr. Mankeur Ndiaye of Senegal as Special Representative for the Central African Republichttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/united-nations-secretary-general-appoints-mr-mankeur-ndiaye-senegal-special-representative-central
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today announced the appointment of Mr. Mankeur Ndiaye of Senegal as his new Special Representative for the Central African Republic (CAR) and Head of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).</p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Mr. Ndiaye succeeds Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga of Gabon, who has been leading the Mission since August 2015. The Secretary-General is grateful for Mr. Onanga-Anyanga’sunwavering commitment to supporting the CAR in particular during the 2014-2016 transition period, culminating in the Bangui Forum and the 2016 elections. SRSG Onanga-Anyanga’s leadership, integrity, personal commitment and tireless efforts have been crucial, including in support of the ongoing peace process as part of the Panel of Facilitators of the African Initiative. </p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Mr. Ndiaye is a seasoned diplomat and brings over 27 years of experience in diplomacy and international affairs, including as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal from 2012 to 2017. Most recently, Mr. Ndiaye served as Chairman of the National Committee on Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative in Senegal (EITI). </p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Prior to his ministerial appointment, he served as the Ambassador of Senegal to France (2012) and to Mali (2010-2012). He has also held the position of Chief of Staff of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2009. From 1997 to 2003, Mr. Ndiaye worked at the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the United Nations in New York.</p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Earlier in his career, he served as Technical Adviser in the Office of the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, in charge of economic, technical and financial cooperation. He also served as the Chief of Staff of the Minister of African Economic Integration and as the Chief of Staff of the Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning. Previously, he held the positions of Head of the Personnel and Social Affairs Division and Deputy Director of Administration and Equipment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Mr. Ndiaye graduated from the National School of Administration/ Diplomatic Section in 1991 in Senegal.</p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">Born in 1960, Mr. Ndiaye is married and has three children. </p>
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<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;text-align:justify;">New York, 6 February 2019</p>
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https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/united-nations-secretary-general-appoints-mr-mankeur-ndiaye-senegal-special-representative-centralThu, 07 Feb 2019 09:07:44 WATFront page feed
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Message on international day for the elimination of violence against womenhttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/message-international-day-elimination-violence-against-women
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<p style="text-align:justify;">Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic. It is a moral affront to all women and girls, a mark of shame on all our societies and a major obstacle to inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. At its core, violence against women and girls is the manifestation of a profound lack of respect – a failure by men to recognize the inherent equality and dignity of women. It is an issue of fundamental human rights.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">Violence can take many forms -- from domestic attacks to trafficking, from sexual violence in conflict to child marriage, genital mutilation and femicide. It harms the individual and has far-reaching consequences for families and society. This is also a deeply political issue. Violence against women is tied to broader issues of power and control in our societies. We live in a male-dominated society. Women are made vulnerable to violence through the multiple ways in which we keep them unequal. </p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">In the past year we have seen growing attention to one manifestation of this violence. Sexual harassment is experienced by most women at some point in their lives. Increasing public disclosure by women from all regions and all walks of life is bringing the magnitude of the problem to light and demonstrating the galvanizing power of women’s movements to drive the action and awareness needed to eliminate harassment and violence everywhere.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">This year, the global United Nations UNiTE campaign to end violence against women and girls is highlighting our support for survivors and advocates under the theme ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo’. With orange as the unifying colour of solidarity, the #HearMeToo hashtag is designed to send a clear message: violence against women and girls must end now, and we all have a role to play.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The same message resonates through the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. This 500-million-euro programme will empower survivors and advocates to become agents of change in their homes, communities and countries. But while this initial investment is significant, it is small given the scale of need. It should be seen as seed funding for a global movement. Not until the half of our population represented by women and girls can live free from fear, violence and everyday insecurity, can we truly say we live in a fair and equal world. </p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/message-international-day-elimination-violence-against-womenMon, 26 Nov 2018 13:23:08 WATFront page feed
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Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on killings in the Central African Republichttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/statement-attributable-spokesman-secretary-general-killings-central-african-republic
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<p>The Secretary General is greatly concerned at the rise in violence in recent days in the Central African Republic.</p>
<p>An attack on an IDP camp in the town of Alindao left at least 37 people dead on 15 November. The attack was attributed to the UPC (Union for Peace in the Central African Republic).</p>
<p>In a separate attack on a base of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on 16 November in Gbambia in the south-west of the country a Tanzanian peace keeper was killed. The attack is suspected to have been conducted by the Siriri armed group. </p>
<p>United Nations peacekeepers were protecting civilians seeking refuge in its camp as the village of Gbambia was attacked. The peacekeeper from Tanzania was wounded in the attack and later succumbed to his injuries. </p>
<p>The Secretary-General offers his deepest condolences to the families of all the victims, as well as to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania. He stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Central African Republic.</p>
<p>The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers as well as those against defenseless civilians may constitute war crimes and calls on the Central African Republic authorities to investigate them and swiftly bring those responsible to justice. </p>
<p>The Secretary-General reiterates the determination of MINUSCA to protect civilians and to contribute to the stabilization of the Central African Republic.</p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/statement-attributable-spokesman-secretary-general-killings-central-african-republicMon, 19 Nov 2018 09:08:19 WATFront page feed
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MINUSCA PEACEKEEPER KILLED IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIChttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/minusca-peacekeeper-killed-central-african-republic
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<p style="text-align:justify;">A peacekeeper from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) died from his injuries following an attack by presumed Siriri armed group elements in Gbambia, a village located 112 km NW of Berberati. The UN temporary operating base in Gbambia was attacked <a>on Friday night</a> and involved a sustained exchange of fire. A Tanzanian peacekeeper died from his injuries.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">MINUSCA dispatched additional troops to secure the base and the village, which was also targeted by the attackers, who fled the area. MINUSCA condemns this cowardly attack and recalls that any attack against peacekeepers may constitute a war crime and be subject to prosecution by national or international judicial authorities.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MINUSCA Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, extends deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim, his contingent and Tanzanian Government.</p>
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https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/minusca-peacekeeper-killed-central-african-republicSat, 17 Nov 2018 18:55:12 WATFront page feed
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The un in CAR concerned about the humanitarian situation in Batangafo following clashes between armed groupshttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/un-car-concerned-about-humanitarian-situation-batangafo-following-clashes-between-armed-groups
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;">The United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Najat Rochdi, on Wednesday denounced the current "unacceptable" humanitarian tragedy in Batangafo, Ouham prefecture (north-west of the Central African Republic), where over 30,000 displaced persons have lost everything as a result of violence and looting. Clashes erupted on 31 October 2018 between anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka (FPRC/MPC) following isolated incidents opposing elements of both armed groups.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;">"The level of despair is unacceptable. Why engage in such viciousness?”, Ms. Rochdi questioned. She visited the area on November 4, with WFP, WHO, UNHCR, UNICEF and OCHA. "I witnessed the emergency situation provoked by the attacks. Speaking at a press conference in Bangui, the Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator said: “The fire destroyed more than 5,100 tents as well as the market and caused the displacement of around 30,000 people".</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;">The Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator stressed that despite the enormous and multi-sectoral needs, aid distribution has already started, including drugs and food. She payed tribute to humanitarian actors who stayed in Batangafo despite pressures. "We will not give up," she added.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;">On the incidents, the DSRSG-RC-HC said that MINUSCA has sent reinforcements to Batangafo, which are, “indispensable for the protection of civilians ". She also questioned the sincerity of ex-Selekas and anti-Balakas who provoked the incidents despite a signature of a local peace agreement. " They must be held accountable. They cannot say that they are engaged in the dialogue and peace process and, at the same time, hurt civilians".</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;">On his part, MINUSCA spokesperson Vladimir Monteiro said that aside the deployment of additional peacekeepers in Batangafo, MINUSCA is also continuing patrols in Bambari, despite the shootings by ex-Seleka UPC. He recalled that peacekeepers neither target civilians nor any particular community during the operation in Bambari contrary to ex-Seleka’s manipulations. </p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/un-car-concerned-about-humanitarian-situation-batangafo-following-clashes-between-armed-groupsThu, 08 Nov 2018 09:47:34 WATFront page feed
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G5 Communiqué on the Ongoing Developments in the National Assembly of the Central African Republic https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/g5-communiqu%C3%A9-ongoing-developments-national-assembly-central-african-republic
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<p style="text-align:justify;">Bangui, October 24th, 2018. The members of the G5, a group of Member States and partner institutions of the Central African Republic, are closely following the ongoing discussions in the CAR National Assembly regarding the impeachment of its President. The G5 is aware of the risk that the instrumentalization of these events poses for the stability of the country and its institutions, and thus undertook wide consultations with the highest State authorities and Central African political actors to gain an in-depth understanding of the situation. The G5 commends the prudence demonstrated by the interlocutors with which they met. During these exchanges, the G5 took note of the diversity of the analyses and of the points of view expressed. Furthermore, the Group took note of the positions expressed by a number of Central African civil society actors, including in particular the statements of the Women Leaders for Peace (Femmes leaders pour la paix), and the Platform of Religious Denominations of Central Africa (Plateforme des Confessions religieuses centrafricaines), both published on October 16th.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">The G5 welcomes these peaceful expressions of contradictory positions, both within and outside the National Assembly, as a testament to the vitality of the democratic debate in the Central African Republic. The G5 is confident that the Members of Parliament, in their stated efforts to ensure a better institutional functioning of the National Assembly, will endeavour to strengthen governance and will prioritize the need to restore confidence in this key institution of the Central African Republic. The Group further hopes that the ongoing discussions and deliberations within the National Assembly will help consolidate Central African democracy and reaffirm the sanctity of law as the cardinal principle of the strength and credibility of state institutions. The G5 therefore expresses hope that, throughout this democratic process, Members of Parliament will be able to transcend individual interests and exercise their customary sense of responsibility so that wisdom and the collective interest may triumph, and that the stability of the country and spirit of co-existence will prevail in this important moment in the political history of the Central African Republic.</p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/g5-communiqu%C3%A9-ongoing-developments-national-assembly-central-african-republicThu, 25 Oct 2018 19:22:50 WATFront page feed
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‘Reasons to hope’ for sustainable peace in Central African Republic – UN Mission chiefhttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/%E2%80%98reasons-hope%E2%80%99-sustainable-peace-central-african-republic-%E2%80%93-un-mission-chief
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The top United Nations official in the Central African Republic (CAR), said on Tuesday he is “hopeful that the necessary foundations to build sustainable peace” have been established and that long-lasting stability will depend on the will of its people, and support from the international community.<br /><p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="https://www.un.org/press/en/2015/sga1587.doc.htm">Parfait Onanga-Anyanga</a>, who also heads the UN stabilization mission in the country, <a href="https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusca">MINUSCA</a>, told the UN Security Council that, since the mission was established, “much progress” has been made to “extinguish the flames of the devastating inter-communal conflict.”</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">Civil conflict between Christian and the Muslims communities in CAR broke out in 2013 and, after a short respite in 2015, intensified again the following year, throwing the country into a new spiral of violence.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">MINUSCA was deployed in 2014 with a mandate to protect civilians, support the political transition, assist with the delivery of humanitarian assistance and promote the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) process.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">“The Mission is preventing atrocities daily and continues to preserve the State’s territorial integrity,” the head of MINUSCA said.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">Among other “reasons to hope” that the Special Representative cited are the overall improvement in the security situation, the democratic elections held in 2015 and 2016, and the restoration of constitutional order across the country, as civilian authorities have been redeployed nationwide.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">"We must have a shared vision, strengthen and ensure our engagement with the Central African Republic are coherent and well-coordinated" - <a href="https://twitter.com/parfait_onanga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">@parfait_onanga</a>, Head of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINUSCA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#MINUSCA</a>, briefing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#UNSC</a> on the situation in the Central African Republic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CARpeace?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">#CARpeace</a> <a href="https://t.co/lA2wZAfZXQ" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/lA2wZAfZXQ</a></p>
<p> — MINUSCA (@UN_CAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_CAR/status/1054774084024913920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">October 23, 2018</a></p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">In addition, six non-state armed groups have agreed to participate in the DDR process which is to start by the end of the year.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;"> “Our work is of course not finished,” he acknowledged, explaining that “the country is still facing numerous challenges. The drivers of conflict remain and attacks against civilians continue to take place, causing mass displacements of people.”</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">The UN office which coordinates humanitarian affairs (OCHA), estimates that close to 615,000 people are currently displaced in CAR and up to <a href="https://www.unocha.org/car" target="_blank">2.5 million people</a> are in need of life-saving aid.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">“Half of the country needs humanitarian assistance, and the delivery of this assistance is becoming more and more difficult, especially because of violent attacks against peacekeepers and aid workers,” regretted Special Representative Onanga-Anyanga. </p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;"><a href="https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/rca_ocha_06082018_communique_presse-incidents.pdf" target="_blank">According to</a> the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Najat Rochdi, 2018 has been particularly deadly for aid workers: so far, this year alone, the number of attacks against aid workers and against humanitarian convoys or goods, nears 200. Since January, at least, six aid workers lost their lives. This general insecurity has led to temporary suspensions of life-saving activities in various localities.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:10px;">“The path towards peace and reconciliation will not be an easy one,” declared Mr. Onanga-Anyanga. “Together with the Central Africans, we must now help move the country from a phase of containment, to one of transformation, where the dividends of peace can be felt by all communities and all citizens,” he told the Security Council, calling for the international community to “work with the Government of the Central African Republic to ensure that this peace process is people-centered and does not fail”.</p>
<p style="margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:0px;">“While the current situation remains unpredictable and precarious, I believe that progress achieved in various areas and the foundations laid are essential ingredients,” he concluded, listing various conditions needed for sustainable peace to be achieved, including the buy-in of the people of CAR, an adequate security backdrop, and sustained international support.</p>
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https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/%E2%80%98reasons-hope%E2%80%99-sustainable-peace-central-african-republic-%E2%80%93-un-mission-chiefWed, 24 Oct 2018 12:10:28 WATFront page feed
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United Nations Day : Secretary-General's Messagehttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/united-nations-day-secretary-generals-message-0
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<p>United Nations Day marks the birthday of our founding Charter – the landmark document that embodies the hopes, dreams and aspirations of “we the peoples”. </p>
<p>Every day, the women and men of the United Nations work to give practical meaning to that Charter. </p>
<p>Despite the odds and the obstacles, we never give up. </p>
<p>Extreme poverty is being reduced but we see inequality growing. </p>
<p>Yet we don’t give up because we know by reducing inequality we increase hope and opportunity and peace around the world. </p>
<p>Climate change is moving faster than we are, but we don’t give up because we know that climate action is the only path. </p>
<p>Human rights are being violated in so many places. But we don’t give up because we know respect for human rights and human dignity is a basic condition for peace. </p>
<p>Conflicts are multiplying - people are suffering. But we don’t give up because we know every man, woman and child deserves a life of peace. </p>
<p>On United Nations Day, let us reaffirm our commitment. </p>
<p>To repair broken trust. </p>
<p>To heal our planet. </p>
<p>To leave no one behind. </p>
<p>To uphold dignity for one and all, as united nations.</p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/united-nations-day-secretary-generals-message-0Tue, 23 Oct 2018 17:52:35 WATFront page feed
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Note to Correspondents: Conclusions of the High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Central African Republichttps://minusca.unmissions.org/en/note-correspondents-conclusions-high-level-ministerial-meeting-central-african-republic
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1. On 27 September 2018, a High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Central African Republic was held in the margins of the 73rd ordinary session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, co-chaired by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, the President of the Central African Republic, Mr. Faustin Archange Touadéra, the President of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, and the Secretary-General of the Economic Community of Central African States, Mr. Ahmad Allam-Mi. The meeting was convened in partnership with the European Union and the World Bank. The members of the International Support Group on Central African Republic and other partners also participated. The meeting was an opportunity for key stakeholders to reaffirm their steadfast commitment to the Central African Republic and the ongoing peace process led by the Panel of facilitators for the African Initiative.<br /> <br />2. Président Touadéra renewed its commitment to bring peace and stability in the Central African Republic. He highlighted the efforts in the implementation of the reforms plan of the Government, including within the framework of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA) and the Framework of Mutual Accountability (CEM-RCA). He emphasized on the progress in several areas, including the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration pilot project, community violence reduction programmes, security sector reform and deployment of defence and security forces, restoration of State authority, justice and reconciliation. He also stressed the efforts to address socio-economic concerns of the Central African population. The President reiterated his full support to the African Initiative as the only framework for the dialogue and expressed his commitment to find a political solution with armed groups. In this regard, participants expressed support for President Touadéra’s efforts to bring about peace, national reconciliation and development in his country.<br /> <br />3. Despite the notable progress achieved in the country since the return to constitutional order, participants expressed deep concern over the violence in various parts of the country and its dire consequences on the population. They condemned attacks against civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian workers, as well as ongoing human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. They also condemned the rise of incitement to ethnic and religious hatred and violence. Participants stressed that this must end. They highlighted that a durable peace could only be achieved through a comprehensive political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict, accountability, and the building of effective and inclusive State institutions.<br /> <br />4. Participants welcomed the noteworthy progress made by the Panel of facilitators for the African Initiative for peace and reconciliation in the Central African Republic. They emphasized that the African Initiative should remain the only framework for the peace process in the country. It should be transformed into a comprehensive process that enjoys broad popular support and legitimacy and which takes into account national and regional dimensions. The participants invited partners of the Central African Republic to integrate their contributions in the global political process and avoid the promotion of parallel initiatives. For its success, participants emphasized the importance of the political role and the high-level commitment of the region, namely the neighbouring countries, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the African Union and the United Nations, for the promotion of lasting peace and stability in the Central African Republic. <br /> <br />5. To this end, participants called for MINUSCA to play a greater political role in the peace process. In addition, beyond its ongoing technical, logistical and security support, MINUSCA will also increase its support to the African Initiative.<br /> <br />6. Participants also welcomed the Secretary-General’s decision to further align MINUSCA’s political and security strategies to the African Initiative, guaranteeing a more coherent peace process that connects local and national peace efforts with the ongoing efforts to advance disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, security sector reform, the fight against impunity and the restoration of State authority, while mainstreaming human rights.<br /> <br />7. Participants emphasized that issues of priority to the Central African people – the greatest victims of the crisis – must be at the heart of the peace process and the international community’s efforts. This could be done by placing their important concerns at the center of the peace process. To be sustainable, the peace process must also be accompanied by material benefits for the population, including critical investments in infrastructure, which would not only address the severe logistical challenges in the country but also strengthen the Government’s and MINUSCA’s mobility and ability to provide security and protect civilians. It would also facilitate the creation of a secure environment for the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance.<br /> <br />8. Development actors must also play a central role in building and sustaining peace in the Central African Republic. Setting up inclusive institutions, building capacities to deliver services and investing in critical infrastructures are key to address popular grievances and to respond to the long-standing drivers of conflict in the Central African Republic. Collaboration with the World Bank, the European Union, the African Development Bank, and other development actors was stressed in this regard. Participants recognized that while this would not be an easy task, it remains critical for a genuine reconciliation process.<br /> <br />9. The need for closer linkages between the peace process and justice was highlighted. Participants recalled that one of the key demands of the Central African population at the Bangui Forum in 2015 and included in the road map of the African Initiative, was the call for accountability and justice. They emphasized the importance that transitional justice is embedded within the political process, while ensuring accountability for grave crimes and to ensure an effective redress for victims and support for national reconciliation. Efforts should also be aimed at strengthening national justice and corrections institutions.<br /> <br />10. The effective implementation of the Central African peace process is also contingent to security conditions conducive of dialogue. Hence, the participants encouraged MINUSCA to shift to a more dynamic posture to fully align its security capacities and its operational efficiency in support of the peace process, with due consideration to the Central African context and environment. It must be complemented by a comprehensive national security strategy that is equally aligned to the peace process, including rebuilding and deploying the national defense and security forces with the support of MINUSCA, the European Union Training Mission and other partners’ as recommended in the Secretary-General’s 15 May 2018 letter to the Security Council, and utilizing non-military United Nations’ capacities and strategies to address the manifestation of armed groups and self-defense militias.<br /> <br />11. Participants welcomed progress to extend State authority throughout the country, including the deployment of all prefects, most sub-prefects and many magistrates as well as improving basic social services. It was recognised that within the framework of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan and the Mutual Commitment Framework, the Government and partners have launched vital projects targeting basic social services. In this regard, the participants called on the partners to honor their commitments pledged during the Brussels’ Conference in November 2016.<br /> <br />12. Concerning the 2020 elections, the participants recognized that peaceful elections are an opportunity to nurture democratic values and principles. While they are not an end state or a solution in its own right, the participants also recognized that they are an important step in the political process as well as an opportunity for nation-building and reconciliation. This would also demonstrate that the Central Africans themselves bear the responsibility for the stabilization of the country.<br /> <br />13. Participants recognized the financial challenges facing the African Initiative and encouraged efforts to actively support sourcing more secure funding. They called on Member States represented on the Panel of facilitators to reinforce their financial support to the African Initiative. They further called on the international community and donors to sustain adequate financial support to the political process. They also stressed the urgent need for further funding for humanitarian activities which remain largely underfunded.<br /> <br />14. To achieve all the objectives discussed, participants agreed that a shared vision and a stronger commitment is essential and to unify their efforts. The participants called for strengthened coordination and partnerships among the African Union, United Nations, ECCAS and all other partners through the International Support Group as well as in the in-country mechanism at Bangui level, including Security Council members active in the Central African Republic, should be strengthened. They recognized that an inclusive, transparent and coherent approach between all partners is the only way forward. To this end, the United Nations and the African Union agreed to jointly nominate a Special Envoy to promote efforts to achieve success of the African Initiative in liaison with all the partners of the Central African Republic, including those from the region.<br /> <br />15. Participants expressed gratitude to all troop- and police-contributing countries for their support to peace and stabilization efforts in the Central African Republic. They also paid tribute to peacekeepers and humanitarian workers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of peace. They strongly condemned the targeted and manipulated attacks against MINUSCA peacekeepers and against humanitarian workers and called on the Government to publicly condemn those attacks, and to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators and instigators of these crimes.<br /> <br />16. Participants welcomed the Action for Peacekeeping initiative and supported the Declaration of Shared Commitments of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which was endorsed by the Central African Government and nearly all participants. They recognized the need to advance political settlements and make peacekeeping operations more effective. Participants called on Member States to deliver on their commitments in the Central African Republic. In this regard, participants reiterated their steadfast support to MINUSCA, highlighting the importance of its support to and engagement in the peace process.<br /> <br />17. In conclusion, participants highlighted that a unified support to the Central African Republic and the peace process is the key to achieving stability, not only in the country but also in the region.<br />
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/note-correspondents-conclusions-high-level-ministerial-meeting-central-african-republicFri, 05 Oct 2018 16:47:05 WATFront page feed
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MINUSCA takes action on reports of sexual abuse by peacekeepers https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/minusca-takes-action-reports-sexual-abuse-peacekeepers
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) in the Central African Republic (CAR) has received new allegations of sexual abuse of at least three (3) minors by Mauritanian peacekeepers in southern CAR.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">As soon as the first allegations reached him on Monday, 24 September, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for the Central African Republic and head of MINUSCA, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, immediately sent a multidisciplinary team to the scene to establish the needs of the alleged victims, to identify the perpetrators of such acts and to collect and preserve relevant evidence. In addition, a team from the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), as well as the Conduct and Discipline Section and the Victims' Rights Advocate, visited the site from Saturday, September 29 to Monday, October 1, to reinforce the preliminary investigations.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">In accordance with the Protocol on Assistance to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, the alleged victims have received medical and psychosocial support from two partner institutions of the United Nations System.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">Due to the seriousness of these allegations and the information gathered by the preliminary fact-finding mission, the United Nations took immediate and appropriate measures, including the confinement of the one suspect who has been identified. Any additional complaints can be channeled directly to MINUSCA or through the community-based reporting network set up with the support of the Mission. </p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">Per normal established procedures, the concerned troop-contributing country has been informed of these allegations by the United Nations in New York and requested that a National Investigation Officer be appointed within five (5) working days, and for the investigation to be completed within the reduced 90-days timeframe. The United Nations has also requested that any national investigation be conducted jointly with OIOS.</p>
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<p class="x_MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">The SRSG has expressed his strong condemnation of such acts, if confirmed, and reiterated his commitment to take further action against any identified perpetrators. The SRSG stressed his commitment to continue the fight against this scourge in the context of the Secretary-General's zero tolerance policy, recalling that "sexual exploitation and abuse constitute a serious violation of United Nations values and standards, and also an unacceptable infringement of the dignity and security of the population that the peacekeepers deployed in the CAR have the mission to protect".</p>
https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/minusca-takes-action-reports-sexual-abuse-peacekeepersFri, 05 Oct 2018 16:28:00 WATFront page feed
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